This is a continuation of Nice to Meet You! (Part 1)
Prior to realizing I wanted to serve children beyond providing Speech Therapy, I had never heard of Educational Therapy. As I researched and learned more about this field, what I uncovered intrigued me. This was it! This was the opportunity for me to provide special education services in a one-on-one or small group setting that would be intentionally customized to fill in gaps of knowledge and support forward growth beyond, and in addition to, the instruction and supports they received at school. I could work with parents, listen to their concerns and goals for their student, and develop a plan to meet them. I could work on academics, executive functioning skills, processing differences, specific learning disabilities, and more. I could see gains in confidence and autonomy. I could work with clients of all ages and abilities. I could make my own schedule and still provide for my childrens' homeschool education. I enrolled in the master's program, had the time of my life, and graduated with my own clinical practice up and running - Kids First Educational Therapy.
This was the opportunity for me to provide special education services to students that would be intentionally customized to fill in gaps beyond, and in addition to, the instruction and supports they received at school.
My goals for my private clinical practice began to crystallize as I completed my coursework, one of which was a goal I hadn't foreseen. As amazing as Educational Therapy is, the reality is that the cost of it is rarely covered by the school system and, only sometimes, by medical insurance. Therefore, parents pay for it out of pocket - which begs the question, what if parents don't have that ability? What about those students who are underserved (foster, adopted, or otherwise) or ineligible for special education? Do they even have a chance at remediation? These questions are not original to me but are an ongoing conversation with professionals in my field.
You may notice a trend in my story by now - I was given a dream, a passion. As I pursued that passion, my eyes were opened to a different need. I seized opportunities as they came. My dreams and passions underwent metamorphosis, eventually yielding to something related yet new, deeper. My current practice allows me to serve clients I am confident I can support. It fills me with joy to work with my students and families, and to hear reports that confidence and abilities previously missing blossom and flourish. Yet, I want to excel still more.
I have a goal of writing a grant with the purpose of providing Educational Therapy to families who can't afford to pay for private special education services.
I have a goal of writing a grant with the purpose of providing Educational Therapy to students and families who can't afford to pay for private special education services. I don't yet know when or how I will accomplish this, but just like other moments along my journey, I have faith that if this is something I am to complete, the right time and opportunities will be revealed and opened for me. In the meantime, I am committed to continued professional growth so that I can serve my existing clients with excellence.
If my story resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Perhaps there is a need your family has that I can help support - perhaps I can point you to another professional who might be an excellent fit. Either way, I show up every day with a heart that is humbled and grateful for each moment I have to make a difference in my students' lives.
